Glasgow cuts health waits

18th May 2006

HEALTH Minister Andy Kerr has praised a revolutionary Glasgow scheme which cuts waiting times for people with joint injuries; the pilot project at local health centres has succeeded in cutting waiting times and lists.

Two podiatrists have had extra training allowing them to diagnose and treat common complaints and offer help from steroid injections to special insoles to cure problems before they cause injuries to the hips or back. The specially trained staff have been taking direct referrals from family doctors in a bid to shorten delays for people with ankle and foot problems.

Mr Kerr said that he hoped to see more initiatives like this one developing across Scotland.